Senate leaders have a bipartisan funding deal to avoid a government shutdown, but objections from lawmakers on both sides have stalled the process, pushing the government toward a partial shutdown with a midnight Friday deadline. Negotiations continue as Democrats and Republicans clash over funding for the Department of Homeland Security and reforms to immigration enforcement tactics.
Senate Democrats and the White House struck an agreement on Thursday to separate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill from a package of five other bills that would fund critical agencies like Defense, Health and Human Services, and Transportation through September. DHS would receive a two-week funding extension to allow for further negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms, a move Democrats demanded following recent shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents. The deal was announced by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, but it quickly faced hurdles as senators on both sides raised objections, preventing a quick vote on the floor.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham emerged as a vocal opponent, calling the agreement a “bad deal” and criticizing the treatment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, whom he said are being “demonized” and face unconscionable conditions. Graham also objected to the removal of a provision allowing senators to sue if their phone records were accessed without notice, referencing the Jan. 6 investigation. His stance reflected broader Republican concerns, with Majority Leader John Thune acknowledging “snags on both sides” and expressing hope for resolution by Friday.
Democrats, led by Schumer, have insisted on changes to ICE tactics, including ending roving patrols, enforcing use of force policies comparable to local law enforcement, removing masks, and requiring body cameras. These demands gained urgency after the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis this month, which sparked public outcry and political pressure. Schumer blamed Republicans for the stall, saying they need to “get their act together,” while avoiding specifics on Democratic objections that may also be contributing to the impasse.
The Senate adjourned late Thursday without a vote and is set to reconvene at 11 a.m. Friday to try to reach unanimous agreement, but even if successful, a brief partial shutdown is highly likely. The House is in recess until Monday, and Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that bringing members back earlier may not be possible due to logistical challenges, delaying final approval of any Senate-passed bills. Johnson expressed openness to a short-term shutdown if necessary, emphasizing that the government could be reopened quickly once a deal is finalized.
President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone, urging bipartisan support for the deal in a Truth Social post and during a Cabinet meeting, highlighting the funding for most agencies until September and the DHS extension. The White House had initially pushed for a six-week extension but moved toward Democrats’ two-week timeframe, reflecting a desire to avoid another prolonged funding fight and address public concerns over ICE tactics. The negotiations underscore the political risks for both parties as they balance immigration enforcement issues with the practical need to keep the government operating.
If the shutdown occurs, it could affect federal workers and services, but leaders aim to minimize impacts through swift action. The outcome hinges on last-minute negotiations and the ability of Senate leaders to overcome objections from holdouts like Graham, with the clock ticking toward the Friday night deadline. This episode highlights the ongoing tensions in Congress over immigration and government spending, setting the stage for future debates as lawmakers work to finalize DHS funding reforms in the coming weeks.
